Page 85 of Royal Havoc

Stupid history.

“I lost you,” Mr. B says, pulling me from my thoughts.

A yawn stifles me. “Sorry.”

“It’s o—”

“Mind if I sit?” Amy asks, appearing at our table.

“Sure,” Brickman answers, motioning to the seat beside me.

She hurries to sit, smiling like the Cheshire cat. “I’m Amy,” she says, introducing herself.

“Mr. Brickman, Onyx’s teacher,” he tells her, smiling at the excitement rolling off her.

Resting her chin on her fist. “I didn’t get much schooling where I grew up. But I like math,” she tells him.

I cover my mouth to yawn, listening to them talk about movies. My attention’s shot when I think I hear them start exchanging recipes.

“I should probably go,” I interrupt rudely, blinking at his shocked face. “I’m worthless right now. Could we continue on Monday?” I ask, trying to hide the yawn escaping me.

“Are you sure you’re alright to drive?” he questions, worry drenching his words.

His face turns fuzzy as I struggle to blink him into focus. “I’ll just wait in my Jeep and call Vex,” I tell him, sluggishly gathering my stuff.

I think he’s talking, but nothing’s registering. My eyes blink closed. Suddenly, my lids are too heavy to open. My head sags, and I need to lay it down.

I just need to rest for a …

forty-four

Shock - er

Onyx: 2024

That moment in a dream that jolts you awake, and you lay there trying to remember what it was. Then reality strikes, and you realize it wasn’t a dream. It’s your shit show life.

“Touch me with that fucking stick —”

Electricity runs through my veins, shocking every one of my muscles along the way.

“Sorry, I missed what you said,” Amy says, hovering above me in the darkness.

My muscles relax, allowing me to breathe as the shock slowly fades from my system. Anger dances in my belly while my eyes work to adjust to the lack of light. Mildew penetrates my nose, leaving an awful taste in my mouth.

“Did I wake up sleeping beauty?” she coos childishly, squatting beside me.

“Where the hell are we?” I ask, noticing what I think are metal bars behind her.

The last thing I can remember is wanting to leave the coffee shop because I suddenly got tired.

She tilts her head, her blonde bun sagging heavily to the side. “Where I grew up.AfterI was given away,” she tells me, like I should know what she’s talking about.

Don’t poke lunatics in cages!

She fucked with the wrong bitch!

“Get me off this filthy floor and untie me,” I order, trying to hide the crazy stirring inside me from my voice.

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